Tetracyclines in dentistry

ABSTRACT

Since their discovery in 1948, tetracyclines have been widely used in dentistry. They have the capability of binding to mineralised tissues and of being slowly released from these tissues in an active form. Thus, the substantivity nature of tetracyclines, their effectiveness against periodontopathic microorganisms, their ability to be concentrated in gingival fluid with higher than blood levels and their ability to inhibit the action of collagenase enzymes make them the drugs of choice in periodontal therapy. However, caution should be taken in using these drugs because of their other adverse reactions